The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is moving closer towards being self-sufficient in food production, with the construction of two new broiler units to house a total of 9,000 chickens, at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre (TFACC).

The 9,000 square feet broiler units are being constructed as a public-private partnership (PPP) with Nutramix Feeds and is expected to produce 6 flocks of chicken annually.

In addition to producing more chickens annually, DCS is also making tremendous stride in the growing vegetables and staples to supplement the diet of inmates.  This is being supported by the purchase of a tractor valued at 11 million Jamaican dollars, to cultivate approximately 70 acres of land to aid in food sufficiency for inmates and wards.

In his remarks at the commissioning ceremony for the new tractor, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, said the tractor and the broiler units exemplify the capability of the DCS to ‘eat what we grow and grow what we eat’. “This is a step in the right direction as we have a duty of care to the inmates who are in our custody, in ensuring they receive the appropriate dietary provisions. The DCS will continue to implement the necessary 21st-century technology to provide for itself, reducing the burden on tax payers, while protecting the nutritional standards for our inmates”, explained Senator Samuda.

The Minister added that “this is an opportunity to improve the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and wards, allowing them to develop the life skills needed to receive a sustainable income from farming activities”.